Harmonic Oscillation

Principle

Sound waves are usually produced in locations where a medium, e.g. air, is compressed and then allowed to expand again. Sounds are caused by repetitive movements, called oscillations. The aim of this experiment is to familiarise the students with the concepts of "amplitude", "period", and "frequency" in the context of harmonic oscillations.

Benefits

• Experiment is part of an experiment set with a total of 22 experiments about generation, propagation and perception of sound, oscillations and waves
• Particularly appropriate as an experiment for first contact with physics in general
• With graphic student worksheets
• With detailed instructor information
• Optimized for tight schedules, i.e. minimum preparation time required

Tasks

The students work out these characteristics based on the examples of an oscillating ruler and a spring pendulum. Observe the oscillation of a ruler at the edge of table. Let a weight swing up and down on a spring and think of the characteristic quantities with which this oscillation could be described.

Learning objectives

• Amplitude
• Period
• Frequency
• Harmonic oscillation